Using an electric barbecue is simple: plug it in, heat it up and you’re cooking in no time. Even the best charcoal barbecues take a while to get going and the best gas barbecues can still run out of fuel (I’ve been caught out mid-garden party by bad planning before). So, electric barbecues are growing in popularity and have the advantage of precise temperature control and fitting in smaller spaces where flames or smoke may otherwise be a concern.

The best electric BBQs range from around £80 for a basic model with no lid up to around £900 for sophisticated models, with grill and appliance brands like Char-Broil, Weber and Ninja all entering the market. You can cook on grill plates or griddles and choose portable models small enough to sit on a table or big enough to feed the whole family, like a traditional charcoal one. Some even provide woodchips to get that smoky barbecue taste.

The best electric BBQs: At a glance

How to choose the best electric BBQ

Electric barbecues come in all shapes and sizes: which is best for you depends on what you want to cook. Some offer straightforward heating so you cook on a grill plate, while others offer a wider range of functions like air frying and smoking. Some models let you swap the cooking surface, too: for example, by adding a pizza stone.

I spoke to Taylor Hawkins, outdoor barbecue buyer at John Lewis, who says: “Electric barbecues offer convenience with no need for charcoal or gas, faster start-up times, easy temperature control and lower running costs, meaning they’re energy efficient and great for everyday use.”

“Opt for a model with at least 1,500 to 2,000 Watts for efficient heating and quicker cooking. Temperature control is essential for versatility, while portability is key for those with smaller outdoor spaces,” adds Taylor.

I’ve tested a range of models, from large to portable, with a full range of options to choose from. “Searches for electric BBQs have doubled in comparison to this time last year, showing the increase in popularity among customers,” says Taylor.

How I test electric BBQs

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Netflix’s true crime series follows the actions of a cult’s new self-proclaimed “prophet”

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Trust Me: The False Prophet arrived on Netflix today, Wednesday, April 8, a four-part series made possible by cult researcher Christine Marie and her husband and videographer Tolga Katas. The pair relocated to the Utah-Arizona border community, also known as Short Creek.

This was following the 2011 life imprisonment of Warren Jeffs, the former FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) leader, who remains behind bars for child sex abuse. What they soon uncovered was that Samuel Bateman had emerged as the leader of a breakaway faction of the FLDS, declaring himself the new radical “prophet” in 2019.

Christine and Tolga managed to earn Bateman’s trust and began capturing his deeply troubling behaviour on camera, documenting abuse involving underage “spiritual wives”. After watching the documentary, viewers want to know where Bateman is now.

Where is Samuel Bateman now?

Samuel Rappylee Bateman was handed a 50-year prison sentence in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to transport a minor for sex and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Federal investigators revealed that Bateman had more than 20 “spiritual wives”, including minors, some of them as young as nine-years-old.

In an FBI affidavit obtained by People, he coerced girls into sexual activities with him as well as other men. The BBC reported that the FBI disclosed how Bateman claimed it was “God’s will” for him to engage in sexual acts with his “wives”.

Authorities had previously removed nine children from his home into protective custody, but eight of them subsequently vanished from foster care.

They were later discovered hundreds of miles away in Washington state in a vehicle driven by one of his adult “wives”, with Bateman admitting his involvement in the abduction.

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During sentencing, US District Judge Susan Brnovich told him: “The amount of harm you caused is nothing short of unmeasurable.”

Having gathered evidence of Bateman’s abuse, Christine handed her footage over to law enforcement, which ultimately led to his imprisonment.”

Despite achieving justice, Christine did voice some misgivings about infiltrating the group in the Netflix trailer, sharing: “I was so trusted.

“I wanted to help them before they found out I was a mole. I’m not betraying them – I’m helping them, right?”

Trust Me: The False Prophet is available to watch on Netflix.

With a musical backdrop from the Wingates Band, Westhoughton’s Carnegie Library turned 120 on March 24, with local residents, councillors, and Bolton Mayor David Chadwick on hand to celebrate.

The incredible birthday cake was baked to look like a selection of books balanced on top of a recreation of the Westhoughton town hall façade.

The Wingates Band (Image: Gillian Wroe)

Westhoughton Mayor Gillian Wroe said: “It was an honour to attend the 120th birthday of our library, alongside my Mayoress, Cllr Deirdre McGeown and the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Cllr David and Mrs Val Chadwick.

“Cllr Chadwick and I have often attended the same functions but this occasion was the first time that we’ve performed a duty together – the cutting of the stunning birthday cake.

“We were treated to a performance by the wonderful Wingates Band.

“Please do go and look at the exhibitions.

Westhoughton Mayor Gillian Wroe at the birthday clebrations (Image: Gillian Wroe)

“Thank you to the library staff and the Westhoughton Local History Group for a very enjoyable day.”

Opened on March 24 1906, the Carnegie Library is named after Andrew Carnegie, a rich American industrialist and philanthropist from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The son of a weaver from Dumfermline, Scotland, at the age of 12 he emigrated with his family to America.

Westhoughton local history board at the celebrations (Image: Gillian Wroe)

He made his money in steel and later in life became one of the world’s eminent philanthropists, donating huge amounts of money to build libraries all over the world.

Westhoughton was fortunate to be one of the recipients of his generosity.

Bolton Mayor David Chadwick, who cut the cake with Cllr Wroe, is himself a councillor for Westhoughton South.

In a surprising turn of events, the Westhoughton Local History Group (WLHG) recently discovered the long-lost ceremonial key that was given to George Grundy – chairman of the Westhoughton Urban District Council – when he opened the Westhoughton Carnegie Library on 24 March 1906.

The WLHG has returned the key to the library, where it is on permanent display in the museum space on the upper floor of the building to help mark the 120-year commemorations.

Westhoughton Library is one of more than 3,000 public libraries built across the English speaking world thanks, wholly or partly, to the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie.

Proposals to convert the three-storey Hopper House building on Atherton Street in Durham City were approved by Durham County Council’s planning committee. 

Ward Group, the applicant, said it will transform the disused site into 45 self-contained units. 

It is hoped that the new accommodation will ease the ongoing pressure on the private rental market throughout the city. 

Proposals to convert the three-storey Hopper House building on Atherton Street in Dur (Image: The Northern Echo)

The new facility will include communal areas including desks for studying, a shared kitchen, living area, gym, and outdoor space. 

An independent office space and mezzanine meeting room is also proposed for the ground and first floors. 

Ward Group said: “The building is in a prominent location within Durham City Centre overlooking the North Road Roundabout. It has been vacant for a significant period and is in need of significant investment to improve its appearance and make it suitable to provide modern accommodation for residents and businesses. 

“The development will ease the pressure on the existing private rental market, providing purpose-built, self-contained, private accommodation for some of those currently sharing space in Homes of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the city.

Adrian Schulman, Reform UK member for Crook, welcomed the plans to breathe new life into the building, which has been empty for 12 years. 

“I go around the north Road roundabout on an almost daily basis and the unattractiveness of the current building always jars with me,” he said. 

Councillors also hope the new facility will reduce the need for properties throughout Durham City to be converted into HMOs. 

However, objections from the City of Durham Trust and Crossgate Community Partnership questioned the need for new purpose-built student flats. 

Councillor David Freeman, of Elvet, Gilesgate and Shincliffe ward, added: “Aesthetically, I don’t think it will look a whole lot better, but the building will have a use. 

“I don’t actually see that there is a need for new student accommodation across Durham City. 

“We have empty HMOs across the city and university numbers are not increasing in the foreseeable future, but I understand that we cannot refuse this application because of that.”

Work is expected to start on the site in due course. 

Police Scotland have launched a major search for Richard Massey, 46, last seen in Luncarty near Perth, as concern grows after his rucksack was discovered by the River Tay.

A desperate search has been launched for a vulnerable man who has been missing for over three days after his rucksack was found near the River Tay.

Richard Massey, 46, was last seen at around 11am on Saturday, April 4, at a bus shelter on Main Road opposite Kirkhill Drive in Luncarty. A number 34 bus passed shortly afterwards, but it is not known if he boarded the service.

Officers from Police Scotland say there has been no confirmed sighting of Richard since, and fears for his safety are increasing.

On Monday, police discovered a rucksack containing his belongings near the River Tay at Willowgate, prompting further searches in the area.

Richard is described as a white man with very short dark hair. When last seen, he was wearing a white hooded puffer-style jacket with black shoulder patches, dark-coloured trousers, white trainers, a dark baseball cap and reflective sunglasses.

Images released by police show him inside a shop wearing the same distinctive outfit, as well as a separate head-and-shoulders photograph.

Police Scotland confirmed that extensive enquiries are ongoing, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out searches to establish his movements.

Inspector Mark Craig said: “If anyone has seen Richard or has any information on where he may be, please do get in touch. I would also ask people to check any sheds or outbuildings in case Richard is seeking shelter within.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101.

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The official guidance arrives as millions gear up for extended trips

Motorists planning lengthy journeys have received a stark safety warning from the DVSA, with four straightforward steps that could prove lifesaving.

The official guidance arrives as millions gear up for extended trips with improving weather conditions, as the agency draws attention to the frequently underestimated risks of tiredness behind the wheel. In a message posted on social media, the DVSA encouraged drivers to adopt basic safety measures before hitting the road, cautioning that fatigue can substantially heighten the likelihood of a severe collision.

According to the DVSA, motorists should:

• Not begin a journey if they are tired
• Avoid long drives between midnight and 6am
• Take regular breaks during journeys
• Stop in a safe place if they feel sleepy

The recommendations echo established road safety guidance designed to combat driver fatigue – a factor that specialists warn can prove equally as hazardous as drink-driving.

Why the warning matters

Government road safety guidance has repeatedly identified tiredness as a significant danger on Britain’s roads. Department for Transport figures reveal fatigue plays a greater role in accidents on high-speed routes including motorways and dual carriageways.

Studies referenced by road safety organisations have shown that drowsy driving hampers reaction times, diminishes awareness and weakens decision-making – producing effects similar to exceeding the legal drink-drive limit.

Fatigue-linked collisions are also more prone to causing death or serious injury as they typically involve vehicles moving at high speed with no braking attempt.

High-risk times and warning signs

The DVSA’s recommendation to steer clear of driving between midnight and 6am stems from robust evidence regarding the body’s natural sleep patterns. This window – often termed the “circadian low” – marks when alertness plummets dramatically.

Motorists are also urged to recognise signs of fatigue, including:

• frequent yawning
• difficulty keeping eyes open
• drifting within a lane
• missing road signs or turns

Should any of these symptoms appear, the guidance is unambiguous: pull over as soon as safely possible.

Breaks are essential

Road safety specialists – including Highway Code recommendations – advise taking a minimum 15-minute break every two hours during lengthy journeys.

Pausing for fresh air, a brief stroll or a caffeinated beverage can temporarily restore alertness, though officials emphasise these cannot replace adequate rest. The DVSA’s most recent warning serves as a reminder that while contemporary vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, fundamental driver conduct continues to be crucial.

Tiredness might be undetectable – but its impact on the road can prove catastrophic.

Wednesday is believed to be the warmest day of the year so far with temperatures climbing, due to a band of high pressure sweeping across the UK from the south

This striking weather map shows temperatures are set to peak at 26C in some areas today.

During what is widely expected to be the hottest day of the year so far, a band of high pressure will sweep northwards. This will lead to a rise in temperatures everywhere, though particularly across the Southeast of England.

The 26C high is anticipated this afternoon in parts of this region, including Greater London, Essex and Surrey, forecasters say. This could be warmer than the temperatures expected in Athens and Cairo today.

It was 24.8C on the island of Anglesey, north Wales, on Tuesday but eastern areas are likely to be warmer today. The Met Office’s weather map pinpoints the hottest regions, including the Southeast of England.

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Paul Gundersen, Met Office chief forecaster, said: “We’re seeing a brief but notable spell of very warm weather for early April, with temperatures more typically associated with late spring or early summer. This could be the warmest spell at this point in April since 2020.

“However, this warmth will be short-lived, with a marked drop in temperatures and more unsettled conditions developing later this week. In some areas, daytime temperatures could fall by around 10°C between Wednesday and Thursday.”

Lighter winds today will make things feel even warmer, particularly across central and southeast England, where temperatures will be at least 20C. These values are well above the early April average, which is typically in the mid-teens.

But not all parts of the UK will see sunshine. It will be cloudier and cooler across Northern Ireland and northwest Scotland, with outbreaks of rain at times. The Met Office also stresses conditions only count as an official heatwave if temperatures meet or exceed specific thresholds set for each UK county, for at least three consecutive days, so not every brief spell of hot weather qualifies.

And the warmer weather will present challenging conditions for those with hay fever. Forecasters say “very high” levels of pollen will be in the air for much of England and Wales for the next few days, with Scotland and Northern Ireland also seeing “high levels” which will decrease later in the week.

Last month, hay fever sufferers took to social media to express their frustration. Ash pollen became a threat, especially across southern counties, when temperatures started to rise at the start of spring. The Met Office typically urges those with hay fever to take measures to help minimise exposure and ease the severity of symptoms, such as wearing wraparound sunglasses, a mask or a wide-brimmed hat to stop pollen getting into your nose and eyes, and showering and changing clothes after going outside.